Banknote News

Breaking news about international paper & polymer money

According to a press release dated 12 March 2018, El Banco Central de Venezuela has introduced a 100,000-bolivar note like the one dated 7 DE SEPTEMBRE DE 2017, but with a revised watermark of a new portrait of Simón Bolívar and electrotype BCV instead of electrotype 100.

According to an article in El Observador dated 23 May 2017, on 3 May 2017 a resolution authorized the Banco Central del Uruguay to introduce up to 10 million new 50-peso uruguayo polymer notes to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the bank. No word yet on when the notes will be introduced, but the Banco Central del Uruguay was created by law 13594 of 6 July 1967 and decree on 12 September 1967.

According to a press release, on 1 December 2017 the Central Bank of Argentina introduced a new 1,000-peso note. This is the fourth denomination issued in a new family; only the 50- and 100-peso notes remain to be introduced.

According to a press release dated 21 August 2017, the Central Bank of Suriname introduced 50- and 100-dollar notes (B548 and B549, respectively) with new signature of bank president, Glenn Gersie. No word on whether the date or any other features have also changed.

According to a press release dated 22 December 2016, the Banco Central del Paraguay introduced new 20,000-, 50,000-, and 100,000-guaraní notes on 23 December 2016. Each denomination is like the preceding issue, but the Motion threads have been replaced by 4-mm wide color-shifting windowed security threads.

According to a press release dated 22 December 2016, the Banco Central del Paraguay introduced new 20,000-, 50,000-, and 100,000-guaraní notes on 23 December 2016. Each denomination is like the preceding issue, but the Motion threads have been replaced by 4-mm wide color-shifting windowed security threads.

According to various press reports, on 22 January 2017 Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro, announced the resignation of the president of the Banco Central de Venezuela, Nelson Merrines, who will be be replaced by economist Ricardo Sanguino.

According to a poster, the Banco Central del Uruguay introduced a new series F 200-peso note (B555) on 29 December 2016. This note is like preceding issues (B548), but new series, new date, new signatures, new printer imprint, and several significant changes to the security features, including denomination as registration device, holographic windowed security thread, translucent features, map of Uruguay in OVI, iridescent stripes, and intaglio marks for the sight impaired.

According to a PressTV article dated 19 December 2016, a plane carrying 272 crates of 500-bolivar notes arrived in Venezuela from Stockholm, Sweden on 18 December. Each crate contains 50,000 notes, for a total of 13.6 units. Two more planes are expected to arrive soon, bringing the total to 60 million units of this denomination. Given the plane's origin, it's likely that these notes were printed by Crane in what had been the Tumba Bruk facility until 2002.

According to a Dia a Dia article dated 17 December 2016, these are the designs for the denominations the Banco Central de la Republica Argentina intends to introduce in 2017 to complete the new family of notes begun with the introduction in 2016 with 200- and 500-peso notes.

According to a Spanish-language press release dated 12 December 2016, on 4 January 2017 Juan José Echavarría Soto will take over as Gerente General from José Darío Uribe Escobar, who has held the position since 4 January 2005. Expect new signature varieties to follow.

According to various sources, the central bank of Venezuela is withdrawing all 100-bolívar notes (worth US¢2 on the black market) in an attempt to stop transnational gangs from hoarding cash. Of the approximately 6 billion such notes in circulation, the government asserts that half is held by gangs abroad. The borders have been abruptly closed to prevent the gangs from repatriating the cash. Beginning 15 December 2016 when new notes denominated in 500 to 20,000 bolivars will be introduced, the public has just 10 days to exchange the old notes for new.

According to a Spanish-language press release dated 7 December 2016, Banco Central de Venezuela intends to introduce six new banknotes (500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, and 20000 bolivars) and three coins (10, 50, and 100 bolivars). The denominations will be introduced in a staggered progression, starting with the 500-bolivar note on 15 December 2016, followed by the 5,000-bolivar note.

According to a Spanish-language press release, the Central Bank of Venezuela intends to gradually introduce six new banknotes and three coins beginning with a 500-bolívar note on 15 December 2016.

The circulation of the new notes of Bs. 500, Bs. 1,000, Bs. 2,000, Bs. 5,000, Bs. 10,000 and Bs. 20,000 is a decision of the monetary authority, in coordination with the National Executive, to optimize the Current monetary cone. The BCV conducted technical studies, which also employ other central banks, to determine the optimal set of denominations required by the national economy. The coins that will also begin to circulate during the indicated period are those of Bs. 10, Bs. 50 and Bs. 100.

The expansion of the monetary system will make the payment system more efficient, facilitate trade and minimize the costs of production, replenishment and transfer of monetary species, which will result in benefits for banking, trade and the general population.

The six new banknotes complement the current family and will coexist with those that are in circulation. They will be distributed progressively by the BCV, at its headquarters in Caracas and Maracaibo, and through the banking system throughout the country.

According to an article on Bloomberg/Quint dated 1 December 2016, Venezuela will introduce new 500- and 5,000-bolívar notes mid-January 2017, with additional denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 10,000 and 20,000 bolívars to enter circulation in the first half of 2017. The exact timing of the introduction and the makeup of the denomination structure has been the subject of conflicting rumors as of late, but it's clear that Venezuela must do something to address the collapsing value of the currency.

According to a press release, the Banco Central de la República Argentina introduced a new 200-peso note on 26 October 2016. The cotton paper note depicts a Southern Right Whale and is the second in a new family of notes.

According to an article in The Wall Street Journal dated 31 October 2016, "Earlier this month, Venezuela’s central bank awarded Boston-based securities printer Crane Currency the largest part of a contract for new bill denominations needed to keep up with triple-digit inflation, according to people involved in contract negotiations." Check out the full article for a fascinating quote from a certain "San Francisco-based banknote expert who catalogs world currencies." Hint, hint.

The Chile chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale at US$9.99, and as a free download to subscribers.

This 33-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banco Central de Chile (Central Bank of Chile) from 1925 to present. Published 8 July 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

According to a Spanish-language press release dated 2 July 2015, the Banco Central de Bolivia introduced a 50-boliviano note with suffix J. This is like P235, but with improved anti-counterfeiting features, including a 3-mm wide magenta-to-green windowed security thread with demetalized BCB 50, and unspecificed blue UV printing.

.According to a press release dated 9 December 2015, the Banco Central de Bolivia has issued a new 200-boliviano note like P237, but suffix J, and 4-mm wide gold-to-green windowed security thread with demetalized BCB Bs 200. The printer imprint is OBERTHUR fiduciaire.

According to a press release dated 29 June 2016, on 30 June the Banco Central de la República Argentina introduced a new 500-peso note, the first in a new series of banknotes featuring the native fauna of various regions of the country. This new note will circulate in parallel with existing notes.

According to a press release dated 27 April 2016, the Banco Central del Uruguay has introduced a revised 2,000-peso series B note (B558) dated 2015 which is like the existing note (B551) of the same denomination, but with several significant changes to the security features, including denomination as registration device, holographic windowed security thread, translucent features, map of Uruguay in OVI, iridescent stripes, intaglio marks for the sight impaired. Series A notes will continue to circulate in parallel.

According to various news sources, the Banco de la República intends to introduce a new 100,000-peso note on 31 March 2016. The note is said to feature a portrait of President Carlos Lleras Restrepo and also contains an image of Cocora Valley, Quindio, and the wax palm, the national tree.

Like P89, but new date (29 DE OCTUBRE DE 2013) and new signatures. Prefix R. This note was reported printed by Casa da Moeda do Brasil, though it carries the CASA DE LA MONEDA-VENEZUELA imprint at lower right back.

According to a press release dated 15 January 2016, the Banco Central de la República Argentina intends to introduce a new family of notes, beginning with 200- and 500-peso notes in mid-2016, followed in 2017 by 20-, 50-, 100-, and 1,000-peso notes in 2017. All the denominations will feature Argentine wildlife, with a different native animal on front and the characteristic haibitat for the species on the back as follows, but to date, only the 200- and 500-peso note designs have been unveiled.

Despite years of planning to remove three zeros from the currency, according to a press release dated 25 September 2015, in 2016 the Banco de la República Colombia will introduce a new family of notes in denominations of 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 pesos. The 100,000-peso note is new.The new family of banknotes gives continuity to the concept of biodiversity present in the family of coins that began circulating in June 2012, while highlighting a group of cultural elements and landscapes of our geography which have become symbols of the Colombian wealth, variety and creativity. Additionally, it pays tribute to major characters of the country’s culture, science and politics, and reinforces recognition of women’s role in the Colombian society.

$100,000 banknote. The obverse will pay tribute to President Carlos Lleras Restrepo, complying with Act 1167 of 2007. The reverse will contain an image of Valle de Cocora, Quindío, and the wax palm, the national tree. To be issued 2016Q1. • $50,000 banknote. The front will be dedicated to our Nobel prize in literature, Gabriel García Márquez, complying with Act 1741 of 2014. The reverse side will include a picture of Ciudad Perdida, the heart of the Tayrona culture in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. To be issued 2016Q3. • $20,000 banknote. The front will be devoted to president Alfonso López Michelsen, complying with Act 1599 of 2012. The back will present the image of the canals at La Mojana where the Zenú people settled, and the famous “sombrero vueltiao,” complying with Act 908 of 2004. To be issued 2016Q2. • $10,000 banknote. The front will portray the image of anthropologist Virginia Gutierrez, a pioneer in family research in Colombia. The back will feature an image of the Amazon with its exotic biodiversity. To be issued 2016Q4. • $5,000 banknote. The front will include the image of the poet José Asunción Silva. The reverse will display the Colombian páramos, ecosystems of unparalleled wealth. To be issued 2016Q4. • $2,000 banknote. The front will bear the image of painter Débora Arango, a pioneer of modern art in Colombia. The reverse will exalt Caño Cristales, the beautiful river of five colors, located in the Sierra de la Macarena. To be issued 2016Q4.

The new banknotes will share special characteristics. They will incorporate inks and security threads of vivid colors with color changing and movement effects to facilitate their identification. Also, they will serve to address more adequately the needs of the visually impaired thanks to differentiation in their sizes and the incorporation of touch-sensitive elements.

According to a Spanish-language press release dated 3 March 2015, the Banco Central de Bolivia introduced a 20-boliviano note with suffix J. This note is like P234, but with improved anti-counterfeiting features, including a 3-mm wide magenta-to-green windowed security thread with demetalized BCB 20, and unspecificed blue UV printing.

According to an article in the Australia Finanical Review dated 27 August 2015, the Banco Central de Venezuela is planning to introduce 500- and 1,000-bolivár notes after the 6 December 2015 congressional elections. With inflation likely to top 150% for 2015, the value of the currency has eroded to the point that the current highest denomination, the 100-bolivár note, is worth only approximately US$15.90 at official exchange rates (one US dollar is currently worth 725 bolivars on the black market).

In 2013 Colombia stoped issuing the 1,000-peso note as it was replaced by a coin. But due to a shortage of the new coin, the bank has reissued the note until sufficient coins can be produced to meet demand.

According to an article on Diagonales.com dated 26 March 2015, Argentina's president, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, unveiled a new 100-peso note to commemorate the mothers of those "disappeared" by the military in the Dirty War in 1976. It's unclear when the new note will enter circulation.

The Banco Central de la República Argentina has issued a 50-peso note in tribute to the defense of national sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands (Falklands), South Georgia, and South Sandwich and the surrounding maritime spaces.

According to an article on El Comercio.com dated 16 December 2014, the Colombian Congress has passed a law to honor 1982 Nobel literature prize winning writer Gabriel García Marquez on the next banknotes or coins introduced by the Banco de la República.

Can anyone positively identify the building on the back of the 1923-dated note P116? SCWPM lists it as Monroe Palace, but it doesn't appear to match any views of said building that I could find online.

IDENTIFIED: The Palácio da Liberdade is a building in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, which was for several years the office of the government of Minas Gerais state.

On 5 November 2014, Banco Central de Reserva del Perú introduced a new 10-nuevo sole note (PNL, bottom) which is similar to the existing notes (P182, top), but with a darker green color, color-changing denomination, and latent image of the denomination. Both new and old notes will circulate in parallel.

According to an article in La Verdad dated 23 October 2014, the Colombian Congress has passed three of four stages necessary to honor 1982 Nobel literature prize winning writer Gabriel García Marquez on banknotes or coins. A final decision should be made by December.

10 bolivianos, 28 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 1986. Series I. Like notes printed by Canadian Bank Note (with CBN imprint at lower left back) in 2011, but with new signatures and imprint is now OBERTHUR TECHNOLOGIES.

This 17-page catalog covers notes issued by the French Treasury in 1794, Banque de la Guyane from 1887 to 1945, Caisse Centrale de la France Libre in 1941, and Caisse Centrale de la France d'Outre-Mer from 1944 to 1960. Revised 25 June 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

According to a BBC article dated 3 April 2014, Argentina "launched" (it's unclear if it was merely unveiled or actually introduced into circulation) a new 50-peso note commemorating the 32nd anniversary of the invasion of the archipelago known as the Falklands to Britian and the Islas Malvinas to Argentina.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

According to a press release, on 18 December 2013 the Banco Central de Reserva del Perú introduced a revised 100-nuevo sole note like the preceding issues, but with the vertical 100 on front rendered in SPARK ink, new signatures, dated 22 DE MARZO DE 2012, and watermark of portrait with vertical electrotype 100 below and a flag above.

According to an article on Terra, in August the Banco Central de Chile issued 2,000- and 5,000-peso notes like P162 and P163, respectively, but with a new signature for the bank president, Rodrigo Vergara, who took office in December 2011, replacing José De Gregorio Rebeco. The new notes are dated 2012.

The Brazil chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale at US$9.99, and as a free download to subscribers.

This 28-page catalog covers notes issued by the Banco Central do Brasil (Central Bank of Brazil) from 1965 to present. Revised 27 December 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

On 21 September 2012, the Banco Central de la República Argentina began issuing 20 million commemorative 100-peso (US$22) notes bearing the face of Eva "Evita" Perón to mark the 60th anniversary of her death. These first issues have serial number suffix A.

Recently the bank has begun issuing suffix B notes which are similar, but have several significant differences.

Front:

The outlined red flowers have been moved right, from underneath the green SPARK patch.

The tree branches and leaves have been redrawn.

The watermark is larger and the electrotype initials moved from left to right of the portrait.

Back:

The vignette at left has been reengraved to reveal much more detail.

The vertical denomination numerals have shifted from center left to upper left.

The organizers of the Latin American High Security Printing (HSP) Conference are delighted to announce at the Conference in Bogota, Colombia today, that the inaugural award of Latin American Banknote of the Year 2013 was presented to Senora Katya Daura, President of S.E. Casa de Moneda, Argentina for the 100 Pesos Eva Perón note.

The Argentinean 100 Pesos banknote was issued in 2012 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the death of former first lady Eva Perón. The banknote was designed by Roger Pfund based on the earlier work of Renato Garrasi and produced by S.E. Casa de Moneda.

The Latin American banknote award, introduced by HSP, aims at recognising banknote design developments and achievements in the fast-evolving Latin American region. The Award Committee comprises the Board of Directors of HSP organising company Reconnaissance International Ltd, and the editorial representatives of Currency News, the periodical dedicated to the global currency industry.

The selection criteria are based on design visibility, banknote functionalities, security sophistication as well as thematic relevance.

Commenting on the Award Committee’s decision, Martyn White, Chairman of Reconnaissance International, remarked on the note’s bright-coloured appeal, the ‘world-class’ intaglio portrait of Eva Perón, the integrative use of security elements as well as the rich heritage perceived through the banknote and readily identified by the population.

Background: Evita Note Finally Sees the Light of Day

In July 2012, the Central Bank of Argentina issued a 100 Peso commemorative note bearing the image of the former first lady, Eva ‘Evita’ Peron to mark the 60th anniversary of her death.

After the death of Eva Peron in 1952 both the Central Bank and the banknote printer, SE Casa de Moneda (CMA), started work immediately, the idea being to replace the Liberty Effigy in the existing 5 Peso with a portrait of Eva, but this idea was rejected by the authorities. It was then that CMA artist Renato Garrasi created a new sepia-tinted design that had Eva’s portrait on one side, with the intention of paying homage to her extensive social work for the poor.

However, in 1955 the President was ousted in a military coup, and the subsequent regime set about eliminating all signs of Peronism, including the destruction of any images associated with Juan and Eva Peron. To avoid the loss of the banknote designs, a CMA employee hid them, and they remained hidden, and forgotten, for the next five and a half decades.

It was only in 2006 – with the removal of furniture as part of a refurbishment of the design department – that the original sepia-tinted artwork, hand-painted by Garrasi, came to light. It was this artwork that provided the inspiration for the new note and, after extensive research undertaken by personnel from CDM, the concept for the 21st century version was presented in 2012. It was unveiled to the nation in July 2012 by HE President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, one day before the 60th anniversary of Eva Perón’s death, and was issued two months later, in September.

The brightly-coloured commemorative note features intaglio printing, a watermark, an optically variable feature and a thread, and was created by the Swiss banknote designer Roger Pfund together with designers from CMA. The portrait was engraved by Sergio Pilosio, an Argentinan citizen living in Switzerland. It is the first time a new design has been introduced in Argentina for 20 years, and the first Argentinean banknote to feature a woman.

Although designed as a commemorative banknote, in January 2013 President Kirchner announced that it is to become the new 100 Peso circulating note, replacing the current note carrying the portrait of the 19th century president Julio Argentino Roca.

The circulating version will feature the numeral 100 in SPARK® with a green to blue colour shift and rolling-bar effect, see-through register, watermark and 5mm wide Picture Thread™ with Eva Peron’s image. It will be issued in a few weeks time to provide a lasting, and everyday, tribute to the iconic former first lady.

In 2011 it was reported that the Banco Central del Paraguay was contemplating issuing polymer notes. According to this post on UltimaHora.com, the 5,000-guarani (US$1.10) note was issued as a polymer note on 14 January 2013. The note is dated 2011, and has reportedly been printed without imprint by Canadian Bank Note Company.

This 5-page catalog covers notes issued by the Government of British Guiana from 1916 to 1942. Revised 4 April 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list by clicking the button below.

As a contributor to The Banknote Book, you will receive the satisfaction of taking part in creating something of excellence, your note may be immortalized as the plate note for the catalog, plus your name, email address, and URL will appear in the Acknowledgements, if you wish.

According to an article on Semana.com dated 29 September 2012, the Colombian congress is considering a bill to revalue the peso by removing three zeros in an effort to simplify economic transactions. Such a move has been discussed for several years, and as with the case with revaluations in other countries, these things are politically charged and often take many, many years to come to fruition. Currently Colombia's banknotes range from 1,000 to 50,000 pesos (US$0.55 and $28, respectively).

Banco Central de Paraguay has issued a new Series F 50,000-guarani (US$10.75) which is like the Seres D notes issued 12 May 2008 (P232), but with a Motion security thread instead of a windowed metallic thread, and the removal of the second instance of “BANCO CENTRAL DEL PARAGUAY” above the watermark area on the back. This note is like the series E note, but with new date.

50 bolivianos (US$7.25), 28 NOVEMBER 1986. Series I. These are printed by Canadian Bank Note. The microprinting changed from “REPUBLICADEBOLIVIA” to “ESTADOPLURINACIONALDEBOLIVIA” and the watermark now contains a pixelated pattern between the portrait and the electrotype denomination.

200 bolivianos (US$29), 28 NOVEMBER 1986. Series I. These are printed by Canadian Bank Note. The microprinting changed from “REPUBLICADEBOLIVIA” to “ESTADOPLURINACIONALDEBOLIVIA” and the watermark now contains a pixelated pattern between the portrait and the electrotype denomination.

10 bolivianos (US$1.45), 28 NOVEMBER 1986. Series I. These are printed by Canadian Bank Note. The microprinting changed from “REPUBLICADEBOLIVIA” to “ESTADOPLURINACIONALDEBOLIVIA” and the watermark now contains a pixelated pattern between the portrait and the electrotype denomination.

100 bolivianos (US$14), 28 NOVEMBER 1986. Series I. These are printed by Canadian Bank Note. The microprinting changed from “REPUBLICADEBOLIVIA” to “ESTADOPLURINACIONALDEBOLIVIA” and the watermark now contains a pixelated pattern between the portrait and the electrotype denomination.

According to an press release dated 20 July 2012, Brazil's central bank issued new 10- and 20-real banknotes on 23 July 2012. This series of notes will be complete when the 2- and 5-real notes are introduced in 2013.

20 bolivianos (US$2.90), 28 NOVEMBER 1986. Series I. These are printed by Canadian Bank Note. The microprinting changed from “REPUBLICADEBOLIVIA” to “ESTADOPLURINACIONALDEBOLIVIA” and the watermark now contains a pixelated pattern between the portrait and the electrotype denomination.

According to a Stabroek News article dated 28 June 2012, Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon announced that cabinet has given its support for the Bank of Guyana to introduce a 5,000-dollar (US$25) banknote. “The $1000 bank note [BOG B11 (P33)] that currently exists as the higher denomination was introduced in 1996 and will be supplemented by a higher denomination,” he said, according to the Government Information Agency.

100 pesos, no date. Like P357, but with both serial numbers printed horizontally in black, and without novel numbering (increasing in size). Series T. Signatures: Mercedes Marcó del Pont and Julio Cobos.

In “the coming months” (by December 2011, but maybe sooner if supplies of existing notes run out), the Bank of Guyana will issue a new 500-dollar (US$2.47) banknote with new security features, including the denomination added to the watermark as an electrotype element, a holographic stripe with a colorful macaw at right on the front, a new registration device, vertical serial numbers at left, and a windowed security thread now visible from the back, not the front. Furthermore, the notes bear a new printer imprint (Giesecke & Devrient instead of DE LA RUE). They remain undated and are signed by Lawrence Williams and Ashni Singh.

A new 1,000-dollar note will also be released with the same set of changes.

The Suriname chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale at US$9.99, and as a free download to subscribers.

This 14-page catalog covers notes issued by the Centrale Bank van Suriname (Central Bank of Suriname) from 1957 to present. De Surinaamsche Bank notes and currency notes (Muntbiljet) are not currently included in this chapter. Revised 10 November 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

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Today’s challenge is to identify the flowers and the scene which appears on the back of the Suriname’s banknotes from 1986 and 1988 (P130-P135).

The front of these notes features a portrait of Anton de Kom, a Surinamese resistance fighter and anti-colonialist author, so it may be that the crowd scene on the back is related, but I’ve been unable to locate any information to confirm this hunch.

I’m also interested in learning the precise names of the flowers which appear behind the toucan on the back of these notes.

If you can precisely identify the flowers or scene—or have a lead which you think might be useful—please post a comment, preferably including a URL which links to evidence supporting your identification.

These notes are like the preceding issues, but have new date, new signatures (Jorge Aurelio Villalba Leguizamón and Jorge Raúl Corvalán Mendoza), new printer imprints (CASA DE MOEDA DO BRASIL), and new F series.

20 pesos uruguayos (US$1.10), 2011. Like P86, but new date, new signatures, Serie F instead of E, different imprint (DE LA RUE), and different screen trap pattern at left and right edges.

By the way, the 17th edition of the SCWPM lists P86 as an exected new issue dated 2006, but I suspect this is an error as I’ve never seen this denomination dated 2006. If anyone has a 20 pesos uruguayos dated 2006, please send scans.

This 10-page catalog covers notes issued by the British Governor in 1842, and the Government of the Falkland Islands from 1899 to present. Revised 20 March 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

Today I’m inaugurating a new feature on BanknoteNews.com: The Challenge.

Anyone who has downloaded chapters of The Banknote Book catalog knows that I take pains to precisely identify all the people, places, and objects depicted on banknotes. However, sometimes precise identifications remain elusive despite all the efforts of myself and various contributors. This frustrates me both as an author and a collector because it’s my belief that if a country has chosen to feature something on one of its notes, it must have some particular historical or cultural significance and it deserves better than a generic description.

So I’m turning to the power of crowdsourcing with The Challenge, an open call for help in identifying certain design elements which have heretofore defied identification.

If you can precisely identify the proper name and location of any of the following—or have a lead which you think might be useful—please post a comment, preferably including a URL which links to evidence supporting your identification.

According to a confidential report dated 19 August 2010, the Commissioners of Currency are preparing new 10- and 20-pound banknotes, to be printed by De La Rue with Cornerstone watermarks, dated 1 January 2011, prefix B, and signatures of K. Padgett, M. C. Eccles, and L. M. Lyse.

The Latin American Paper Money Society was established in 1973 and is popularly known as LANSA. Current president Arthur C. Matz recently sent me this announcement which I am happy to share with visitors to BanknoteNews.com:

“Since 1973, LANSA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of collecting the paper money of Latin America. Please visit our new web site at www.latinamericanpapermoneysociety.org. You will see a totally new look. Thanks to our webmaster, Garry Saint, we now have a web site that will prove enjoyable and worthwhile to visit often. Click the Login link in the upper right corner of the home page, then click the Register link to create a free account which will grant you access to the entire site and all the features offered. There are no membership dues or fees of any kind. Just log in and enjoy!”

On 16 March 2011, the Central Bank of Chile unveiled the design of the new 1,000-peso note, of which a total of 34 million notes were issued on 11 May 2011, while the existing 140 million older notes of the same denomination currently in circulation will gradually be withdrawn. This note, the last denomination to be issued in the new series, is printed on polymer.

According to a Banco Central del Uruguay (BCU) press release dated 11 January 2011, Presidente Mario Bergara presented a new set of coins with designs based on native animals, and announced that a new series of notes began circulating. The notes are unique for Uruguay in that they are the first to carry the signature of a woman, Secretaria General Elizabeth Sonia Oria.

The only note depicted in the press release is the 100-pesos uruguayos (US$5) denomination, which is like P88, but dated 2011, series F, and printed by De La Rue instead of G&D, which printed the 2006 and 2008 dated notes from series D and E, respectively. However, MRI has reported that the following denominations will be issued when stocks of the current series are depleted:

The Central Bank of Paraguay reported that six boxes containing 250,000 new 50,000-guaranies notes were stolen during shipment by sea between France (where they were printed by François-Charles Oberthur) and Uruguay. The notes carry a “C” serial number prefix, have “50 MIL” in the upper left-hand corner, feature an intaglio-printed star below the watermark area, and are dated 2005 between the signatures or Ramon Arréllaga, Gerente General and Monica Perez, Presidenta. They were intended to enter circulation in early December 2006, but in response to the theft the Central Bank has canceled the emission of the “C” series in this denomination. The total value of the theft exceeds US$2.3 million.

UPDATE: Some of these notes entered circulation before the theft was made public and are beginning to surface in the collectors’ market at prices up to US$200. Krause assigned this note Pick 231, but the listing in the current SCWPM shows the wrong image and has the date incorrect as 2007. Furthermore, the SCWPM is also wrong indicating that P232 is dated 2008 (it’s really 2007), and that it was not released.

1,000 pesos uruguayos (US$53), 2011. Like P91, but new date, serie D, new signatures, new printer imprint (OBERTHUR TECHNOLOGIES), and new screen trap background pattern (compare details at right of serial number from C and D series).

The Guyana chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale at US$4.99, and as a free download to subscribers.

This 8-page catalog covers notes issued by the Bank of Guyana from 1965 to present. Revised 21 June 2016.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote BookIf you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a $99 annual subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the next 12 months.

Sign up for Email NotificationsIf you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

New date (1 NOVEMBER 2004) varieties have been confirmed for the 10-, 20-, and 50-dollar notes from the Centrale Bank Van Suriname (Pick 157-159, respectively). All of these have the same signature of André E. Telting as the notes dated 1 JANUARI 2004. If anyone has the 5- or 100-dollar note with the new date, please send scans so it too can be confirmed.

Please note that I am currently working on the Suriname chapter of my catalog and seeking assistance from anyone with a strong collection of notes issued before the creation of the central bank. If you want to help, click the Contact button in the left-hand menu.

On 28 December 2010, the Banco de la República Colombia introduced a new 2,000-peso (US$1.10) note which is like P457, but with the number 2 expressed in Braille over the watermark on the front left, to facilitate the use of the notes by the sight impaired. The 50,000-peso note (P455) has had the number 50 embossed in Braille to the left of the serial number ever since it was first introduced in 2001. The bank intends to add Braille to all the other denominations over time.

According to an an article on La Nacion dated 12 December 2010, Banco Central de Paraguay has issued a new Series E 50,000-guarani (US$10.75) which is like the Seres D notes issued 12 May 2008 (P232), but with a Motion security thread instead of a windowed metallic thread, and the removal of the second instance of “BANCO CENTRAL DEL PARAGUAY” above the watermark area on the back.

Banco Central de Paraguay has issued a new Series C 20,000-guarani (US$4.30) which is like the Seres B notes issued 10 December 2008 (P230), but with a Motion security thread instead of a windowed metallic thread, and has a tactile symbol added for the sight impaired.

In a press release dated 3 February 2010, Banco Central do Brasil announced that it intends to issue a new family of paper notes starting with the 50- (US$27) and 100-real (US$55) denominations to be introduced in mid-2010, followed by the 10- ($5.50) and 20-real (U$11) notes in the first half of 2011, and concluding with the 2- (US$1.10) and 5-real (US$2.75) notes in the first half of 2012. During the transition to the new family, the current series will remain legal tender. The release date of the first two notes is now scheduled for 12 December 2010.

The new notes are dated, and will increase in size with the denomination. Along with tactile features, this will assist the sight-impaired in distinguishing between denominations. The notes bear the signatures of the minister of finance, Guido Mantega, and the president of the bank, Henrique Meirelles. The theme of the current family—an effigy of the Republic on the front and Brazilian animals on the back—will be maintained, but the graphics have been redesigned with a horizontal orientation and for enhanced security.

20 dollars (US$0.10), no date. Like P30, but new signatures, new printer imprint (CANADIAN BANK NOTE COMPANY, LIMITED), and the serial number font at lower left has been changed and no longer matches the novel serial number font at upper right.

On 6 October 2010 the Central Bank of Chile unveiled its new 2,000-peso (US$4.15) banknote. This polymer note was issued 17 November 2010. On front it features a portrait of lawyer and guerrilla leader, Manuel Rodríguez Erdoíza, as well as a stylized corazón del copihue (heart of Chilean bellflower). The back of the note depicts Reserva Nacional Nalcas in the Araucania region, with a volcanoe and a choroy parrot. The 2,000-peso notes is the fourth member of the new family of notes which started with the 24 September 2009 introduction of the 5,000-peso note, and will be complete with the 2011 introduction of the 1,000-peso note.

According to a press release dated 8 June 2010, the Central Bank of Chile issued a new 20,000-peso (US$36.50) note on 28 July 2010. Coppery orange in color and measuring 148 x 70 mm, this cotton-based note is the third denomination in a new family of notes, all of which feature representations of the country's natural beauty.

The front of the note features a portrait of Andres Bello based on a painting by French artist Raymond Monvoisin (1790-1870) belonging to the University of Chile. Next to him is the heart of Copihue, the national flower, and Antu, a Mapuche symbol representing the sun that fertilizes the soil.

The back depicts Salar de Surire Monument, located in northern Chile in the region of Arica and Parinacota. It also contains the image of a Chilean Flamingo, a bird that lives in shallow water areas, fresh or salt over the whole country.

Intaglio printed by Crane AB (Sweden), the 20,000-peso note features a portrait watermark with electrotype 20 MIL. There are two security threads; one solid, the other a windowed Motion thread within which there is a Antu, an icon that moves across the banknote is tilted. There is also the denomination printed in green-to-orange OVI. Signatures: José De Gregorio Rebeco and Alejandro Zurbuchen Silva.

According to an article on Portafolio.com, Senator Antonio Guerra of the Colombian congress has proposed removing three zeros from the peso. Currently the largest denomination in Colombia is the 50,000-peso (US$27.40) note, which would become the 50 nuevo peso under the proposal. At least two previous efforts to revalue the currency have failed.

On 18 December 2009, the Central Bank of Paraguay introduced a new 2,000-guaraní (US$0.45) polymer note dated 2008, featuring portraits of educators Adela and Celsa Speratti on front, and a parade with flag-waving marchers on back. Printer: OBERTHUR TECHNOLOGIES.

On 18 August 2009, El Banco Central de Chile unveiled a new 5,000-peso (US$9.15) note, the first in a new family of five notes to commemorate 200 years of independence. Other denominations will follow over the course of the next two years. Three of the denominations will be printed on polymer and the other two will be printed on paper. All of the notes were designed by the Swedish company Crane AB, which will also print the paper notes. The polymer notes are printed by Note Printing Australia.

The new polymer 5,000-peso note was introduced on 24 September 2009. Existing 5,000-peso notes remain legal tender, but will be slowly withdrawn from circulation.

The front of this note features a portrait of Gabriela Mistral, images of the heart of Copihue, Antu, and the national flower, the symbol mapuche representing the sun and fertility. The back depicts La Campana National Park, located on the Cordillera de la Costa de la V Region of Valparaiso, which contains one of the few native forests of Chilean Palm. It also contains the image of a Tucúquere, a bird of prey.

On 21 October 2009, the Banco Central de Paraguay announced it will remove three zeroes from the guarani in 2011 in an attempt to simplify economic transactions. The revised currency will be called the new guarani for a two-year period. The notes will apparently feature the same designs as the current series of notes.

50 pesos uruguayos (US$2.35). Like Pick 84, but new date (2008), new series D, two signatures instead of three, and no windowed security thread. The SCWPM has reserved Pick 87 for an expected new issue dated 2006, but that's unlikely to exist and P87 will probably eventually be assigned to this 2008 issue.

The president of Bolivia, Evo Morales, has suggested that Banco Central de Bolivia print banknotes with images of indigenous heroes, coca, and archaeological sites in the South American country, as part of its policy of "decolonization." Among those proposed to be depicted on the new notes are Bartolina Sisa and Tupac Katari, heroes who rose against the Spanish colony in the 18th century. The proposal also suggests depicting natural sites, such as mountains of Bolivia, that are sacred to indigenous peoples. If the bank adopts the proposals, new notes could be issued as early as 2011-2012.

This 20-dollar note (Pick 30) from Guyana shows Lawrence Williams signing as GOVERNOR (ag) on a note with prefix B/57, followed by a prefix B/64 note with the title as GOVERNOR. As far as I know, the Williams/Kowlessar signature combination appears only on the $20, $100, and $1,000 notes, although the GOVERNOR (ag) title has been confirmed on the $20 only. If anyone can provide scans of other notes with this signature combination, please do so.

This item was previously reported, but it has recently been updated with new images and information:

On 10 December 2008, the Bank of Paraguay released into circulation revised 20,000-guarani (prefix B) and 100,000-guarani (prefix D) banknotes. The designs of the notes are similar to the preceding issues of the same denominations, but have new signatures, new dates (2007), and reworked illustrations on front and back. Both notes are protected by watermarks with electrotype denominations, as well as windowed security threads; on the higher denomination, it’s Crane’s new Motion thread. In fact, the printer imprint on both notes is “CRANE CURRENCY.” A new 2,000-guanrani note is scheduled for introduction in August or September 2009.

On December 2, 2008, the Banco de la República de Colombia announced that it would issue a 100,000-peso note in mid-2009 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birthday of 30th president of the republic, Carlos Lleras Restrepo, who held office 1966-1970. The note will be the largest denomination in Colombia, with a face value of approximately US$43.

We now have confirmation that the PDF marked “Información Confidencial” reported ten days ago is authentic. Today the Banco Central de Venezuela has officially unveiled its new family of notes. The only thing that remains to be explained is why there is no 200-bolivar fuerte note as previously reported.

All notes will be released on January 1, 2008, and are dated 20 DE MARZO DE 2007 on front, along with signatures (PRESIDENTE BCV and PRIMER VICEPRESIDENTE BCV). Security features for each note includes intaglio printing with the denomination in OVI, watermark of portrait and electrotype watermark of denomination numerals, wide windowed security thread, registration device, microprinting, raised symbol for the blind, and latent image. Coat of arms on back.

2 bolivares fuerte. Blue and orange. Francisco de Miranda. Amazon Two river dolphins (inia geoffrensis) in foreground, Parque Nacional Médanos de Coro and Gusano flor in background on back.

On March 12, 2007, the Banco Central de Reserva del Perú issued a revised 50-nuevos soles (US$15.70). Like Pick 169A, but new date, new signatures, and new security features: vertical denomination 50 at right in fuschia-to-green OVI, and old color-changing hexagonal planchettes replaced by iridescent stripe with 50 and BCRP repeating to left of portrait, plus a windowed security thread.

The Central Bank of Uruguay is improving the security features of its current family of notes. The first two denominations in Series C, the $200 and $500, have been issued and other denominations are to follow.

200 pesos uruguayos (US$8.25), 2006. Issued November 2006. Like Pick 77, but new date, series C, and new security features, including Pedro Figari as watermark with denomination spelled out in script, iridescent stripe with $200 repeating, and latent image of Artigas, BCU, and 200 in upper right.

500 pesos uruguayos (US$20.60), 2006. Issued November 2006. Like Pick 82, but new date, series C, and new security features, including Alfredo Vaquez Acevedo as watermark with denomination spelled out in script, iridescent stripe with $500 repeating, and latent image of Artigas, BCU, and 500 in upper right.

On November 14, 2006, the Banco Central de Reserva del Perú issued a revised 10-nuevos soles (US$3.10) note dated 11 de Agosto de 2005. Like Pick 166, but new date, new signatures, and new security features: vertical denomination 10 at right in fuschia-to-green OVI, and old color-changing hexagonal planchettes replaced by iridescent stripe with 10 and BCRP repeating to left of portrait of José Abelardo Quiñones Gonzales.